Minding Our Elders

Minding Our Elders Blog

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Caregiving During the Holidays: Have a Realistic, Positive Approach

There’s an image of holiday perfection that our culture encourages. Starting with Thanksgiving, we are inundated with images of families happily enjoying each other’s...

This indoor image has a white drapery in the background. In the foreground, a woman is viewed with her head tipped so we only see the top of her salt an dpepper hair that is drawn back, pus the top of her shoulders. Her arms around around an older man who faces the camera. He has short salt and pepper hair combed foreward, and is laughing gaily as she hugs him. He's wearing an olive shirt.

Stroke Damage Can Cause Crying with No Discernible Trigger

Dear Carol: My husband has had several strokes and is now in a nursing home where I spend much of each day with him....

Providing Care for Family Members Involves Sacrifice: Is It Worth It?

One question that is often asked on the AgingCare.com Caregiver Forum is, “How do I deal with the reality of leaving behind the life...

The background image shows blurred fall trees. In the foreground, there are two brown needlework -appearing bells tied with beige velvet-type ribbon.

Caregiver Tips for Enjoying Holidays With Older Adults

Even though most of us have happy memories of holiday celebrations, this time of the year can be stressful. There are pervasive societal expectations that everything...

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Dementia Bathing: A Guide for Caregivers

Getting an aging or ill loved one to bathe can be a notorious battle that many family caregivers experience. When dementia is a part...

The background is a blurred outdoor view. In the foreground, we see a women's had and shoulders from the back with only a slight view of her ear and cheek. She has salt and pepper chin-length bobbed hair and is wearing a dark gray sweater. Her head is bowed forward in grief.

When a Caregiver Secretly Wishes It Would All End

Most caregivers are decent folks who care deeply about their elderly parents, spouses, and other loved ones who require their assistance. As so many...

The image shows an unfolded napkin holding four Christmas cutout ginger cookies with decorative frosting. The napkin sits on a light wood table and we can see the edges of holiday decorations.

Celebrating Special Occasions When a Loved One Has Dementia

Every family has their own favorite special occasions that they enjoy celebrating. Some may not be big into Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or Independence Day,...

Backgroud shows distant mountains under blue sky strewn with puffy clouds. Foreground shows a snow overed flat area with an older person in cross-country ski gear. Apparel is a red top and black snowpants.

Some Risky Behavior Might Be Necessary for Your Elder’s Mental Health

Dear Carol: My dad, 72, has been adventurous all his life and that spirit doesn’t seem to be dampened by aging or even some...

Supporting the Person with Dementia as They Are while Grieving What’s Lost

Dear Carol: My dad was my rock and was always there for his little daughter when I needed support, even more so after Mom...

An outdoor view with semi-cloudy sky, green grass, and a multi-storied, red brick building in the foreground. One sees cement walks and a crosswalk in front.

How to Get Over Feelings That Prevent You From Visiting the Nursing Home

People cite numerous reasons for why they hate visiting nursing homes. Some can’t stand funky smells, others find the sight of disengaged, listless seniors...